BY Aurelia Mbokazi-Kashe
Born and bred in the colourful township of Mamelodi, veteran marketer and wine brand owner, Bridget Nkuna, found her way back to the township that gave her life and meaning. Her return to the source inspired the birth of Vlaka Wines, courage, love and many beautiful stories shared over a good glass of wine.
Vlaka Wines is my story of hope restored. Shortly before Covid-19 hit, I started my own strategic marketing consultancy. Business came to a stand still when the pandemic struck. I went back home to Mamelodi. My soul was reignited and inspired by the vibrant culture of the people living in the township.
We grew up calling Mamelodi Vlaka, from Vlakfontein, the name of the farm the township is built on. Township life was rich and anchored on family and friendships. Vlaka is not only about friends enjoying a glass of wine; it’s about creating a space where all can connect, share their stories and find joy in the shared experience of life and humanity.
My ex-partner, MXO, encouraged me to venture into the wine industry, which he was already in. That was the beginning of Vlaka Wines.
The wine industry holds many opportunities for people who want to get into winemaking, but those are not easily accessible to people of colour. You have to be a true enthusiast to go in. Fortunately for me, I had MXO to lean on and that made a big difference.
Access to information and markets are some of the challenges. Also, as black female winemakers we do not support each other as we should. Everyone is in this for themselves and not interested in showing the other the ropes.
The product has been well received both locally and abroad. The support and guidance I have been receiving has been remarkable.
Vlaka wines are high-end wines. The target market is the avid wine lover who is after quality and great taste. I have a Vlaka Cabernet Sauvignon, Vlaka Merlot, Vlaka Chardonnay, Vlaka Ssuvignon Blanc, Vlaka Chenin Blanc, Vlaka Pinot Noir Rosé, Vlaka Semi Sweet Rosé, Vlaka MVC Brut. I’m also happy to educate new wine Xplorers with the appropriate offering like the Vlaka Sauvignon Blanc and Vlaka Semi Sweet Rosé.
I am an entrenched Marketer at heart, I have been in marketing for 26 years. Daily, I look for ways to access the market and sell my product. I make sure that I speak to one or two outlets that can potentially carry and sell my product. I also create my own marketing assets such as videos and adverts, and manage my products’ online presence.
I have been in marketing for 26 years and have had a remarkable career journey. After graduating from Wits University, I trained and had a radio show at Voice of Soweto. I was then hired by Total South Africa on a graduate training programme in Sales and Marketing, and that was the start of my trajectory in Marketing. I also headed Marketing for United International Pictures where I launched some great blockbuster films like Shrek, The Bourne Identity trilogy, Evan Almighty, Mr Bones, and this was a great moment for me. I regard my time as the CEO at Soweto TV as one of my career highlight because I shared in the vision the late founder, Tshepo Thafeng, had for the community Television channel.
I learned many life lessons on this journey, especially that God’s grace is sufficient. Apart from being a brand owner of Vlaka Wines, I also launched my own craft Gin called Melodi Gin.
I love to laugh, listen music, dance, cook and have long lunches and dinners with good friends. I unwind with a glass of Vlaka Chenin Blanc or Sauvignon Blanc on a hot day and a glass of Vlaka Cabernet Ssuvignon Blanc on a cold winter evening.
As a mother of three, we love seaside holidays, the crystal blue waters, and the island feel. Mauritius, Maldives, Zanzibar, Port Elizabeth, and Durban are among my favourite holiday destinations.
